Estonia to host NATO military exercise "Lightning"

Estonia is set to host a NATO military exercise  "Lightning" in the first half of December 2024.

The exercise will involve participation from NATO member states, Caliber.Az reports citing Estonian media.

Scheduled to run from December 2 to December 15, the training will primarily take place in the northern and north-eastern regions of Estonia. Approximately 2,000 soldiers will engage in exercises designed to practice mechanisms for the rapid transfer of forces to conflict zones.

From December 2 to December 8, the ‘Lightning’ (Pikne) exercise will include a series of training flights conducted by transport planes and allied fighter jets. Some of these flights will occur at low altitudes, utilizing Estonia’s airspace.

In addition to Estonia, several Western countries are expected to participate in the exercise, including the United Kingdom, Latvia, the United States, and France. The training will focus on enhancing NATO’s operational readiness and the coordination of military forces in the region.

Allied training flights will be conducted in accordance with Estonian law and are coordinated with the Estonian Transport Department and Lennuliiklusteeninduse AS.

Since 2004, NATO air forces have been responsible for protecting the airspace of the Baltic States.

By Vafa Guliyeva